Home Away From Home.

As I've grown up I've always been told, "Change is constant and change is good."  Sometimes, it's easier said than done heeding that advice, but this time around I couldn't be more excited.  

In a few short days, my role at work will be changing.  I'll have the opportunity to travel more, meet new people and take on new challenges.  I'm thrilled to have the chance to do something new and let people know what kind of girl they've hired!  The good news is they made the right choice.  

So, Chicago (among a few other locations) will be my new home away from home.  I can't wait to see what this new venture brings to me and my family.

Rules to live by.

Rules of life:

because...

and always remember to:

because there will come a time in your life when....

So always make sure you remember this my friends...

In the end, you won't want to look back wondering, "What if?"

Taking care of a pet can improve your health

A dog may be more than just a best friend – research is suggesting the importance of a pet as a means for treatment.

According to aarp.com, 62% of Americans own a pet for the companionship, love and affection that these animals afford them. While these benefits are great, numerous studies are reporting actual health benefits associated with owning a furry friend.

Here are a few ways in which pets can improve your health:

• Pets help recovery from heart attacks – A study from the National Institutes of Health found that dog owners had a higher survival rate after a heart attack, compared to those who did not own dogs.
• Pets help reduce stress…more so than humans do.
• Pet owners are less obese – Pet owners are more active, simply because they want their pets to stay active and healthy as well.
• Pet owners have better mobility as they age – a National Institutes of Health study found that adults aged 71-82 who regularly walked their dogs were more mobile, compared to those who did not own pets.
• Pets can help with cholesterol – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that owning a pet can decrease cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

There are so many different pet options out there for everyone. If you are not a cat or dog person, try getting a fish or other small animal. It will be great for your health and happiness!

Courtesy of CareNotes: The Home Care Newsletter

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Hamilton and surrounding areas.

How to Live to 102 - Secret #36

Home remedy for colds and flus: Mix 1/2 a teaspoon of garlic juice and 1/2 a teaspoon of honey into a cup of warm water. Drink a cup of this mixture three times a day.

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Friday.

That's right...it's Friday.  And I'm in love.  

Not only is it my favorite day of the week, (aside from Saturday) it's Easter weekend!  A weekend that signifies new life, joy, family and a most beautiful season.  When I think of Easter, a few things come to mind...

I hope this little guy hops on over your way on Sunday.  He's always bound to leave something good. 

And finally, I'll leave you with a picture of me and my brother circa 1983.  The year the Easter bunny came and left me my very own Easter basket.  And when he arrived, he took with him my baby bottle.   Way to mind-trick Mom.

Fruits of Life.

As I've mentioned before, despite this blog being all about sugar and sweets, I'm a very healthy eater and try not to indulge too often.  It seems odd, I know.  Recently, I've been asked by a few readers to share what a daily menu looks like for the Patterson family.  The request made me think about some of the staples we have in our diet.  The first thing that came to mind, which happens to be one of my/our favorites: FRUIT.  

This time of year happens to be one of my favorites because the fruit selection is so plentiful.  Twice a week I head to the grocery store or farmers market and buy fresh fruit in bulk (always loading up on the sale items!) and make a huge fruit salad.  To give you an example, I currently have: 3 pineapples, 5 mangos, 8 bananas, 10 apples, 2 baskets of blackberries and 2 bags of grapes in my refrigerator at this very moment.  Yes, it's time for our next salad to be made!  

Not only is fruit salad extremely healthy and full of much needed vitamins and antioxidants, it's also very refreshing.  

Here's a list of fruits we mix and max in our fruit salads:

Pineapple

Mango

Cantaloupe

Honeydew

Grapes

Strawberries

Blackberries

Blueberries

Papaya

Kiwi

Peaches

Nectarines

Oranges

Banana

You can choose any of these items or any of your favorite fruits and make your own signature salad.  You'll feel great about what you're doing and your body will thank you too.

P.S. My husband has admitted to me that my fruit salads were one of the many things that made him fall in love with me.  :)

Last Minute Easter Ideas.

Easter Candy Display

Running late and in need of some quick Easter decorations?  Fear not.  Sweet Nothings is here to give you some easy ideas and will leave you feeling like you've conquered that good ole' bunny!

Create your own tablescape, like the image above, by filling glass jars with colorful layers of bulk candy for a festive centerpiece. Or, create an Easter basket effect by nestling a white-chocolate bunny or lamp in green paper "grass."  Finish with ribbon and a tag, or attach a note to lid using double-sided tape.

Bright and cheery Lollipop Cupcakes will bring a big smile to any one!

Bird's nest cookies bring the true feel of Spring and Easter to your kitchen!  Not only are they delicious, they are made with 3 easy ingredients!  Check out the recipe here: Bird's Nest Cookies.

Spring Showers.

Spring showers will bring May flowers.  

I continue to remind myself of this on these rainy and gray April days.

There is beauty in everything.

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Six lifestyle changes to protect your brain

It is never too early to be concerned for your mental well-being. According to an article in The Huffington Post, by the year 2030, 615,000 people are said to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, that annual number is expected to be just under 1 million, with someone developing Alzheimer’s every 33 seconds.
Those are very harrowing statistics. Thankfully, there are things that we can do to hopefully decrease those numbers.

Dr. Cindy Haines shares six lifestyle changes to protect your brainpower:

1. Avoid Other Chronic Conditions – People with other chronic conditions, like diabetes, are about twice as likely to develop dementia. Obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are all potentially chronic problems that you can control.
2. Try Mediterranean Food – The Mediterranean diet is gaining popularity in its ability to help prevent dementia. The diet consists of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread and other whole-grain foods, beans, seeds and nuts.
3. Stay Active – Regular exercise keeps your blood vessels healthy, which can help prevent vascular dementia and other forms of Alzheimer’s.
4. Avoid Tobacco Smoke – Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, new research is suggesting that simply being exposed to tobacco smoke can also increase that risk, so avoiding it altogether is the best bet.
5. Keep Your Brain Busy and Stay Socially Engaged – Studies have shown that people who keep their brains active are less likely to develop dementia. Activities like crossword puzzles and reading increase your cognitive reserve.
6. Keep an Eye on Depression – Currently, there still needs to be more research involving exactly how depression and dementia are linked, but studies show that there is a strong connection between the two.

As mentioned, it is important to start taking precautions to prevent dementia, no matter your age.

Courtesy of CareNotes: The Home Care Newsletter

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Cadbury Mini Eggs.

Cadbury Mini Eggs.  These little chocolate bombs have made their way into my home and are reeking havoc on my waistline.  Not only are they absolutely delicious, they are downright addicting.  Pop one into your mouth, melt through the crisp sugar shell and you hit the creamy milk chocolate center.  

Sweet bliss.  

Before you know it, the little egg is gone and you are reaching for another.  

Despite loving candy and everything sweet, I'm a very healthy person.  Thankfully my husband is too.  Last weekend while checking out at the grocery store I had an older gentlemen actually comment on the items in my cart.  "You have to be the healthiest eater I've ever seen!  What do you do for grains?"  He obviously noticed I had no bread, no processed food and nothing loaded with sugar.  We live off of lean meat, fresh vegetables, fresh fruits and high fiber whole grains in the Patterson house.

But the season has brought an impostor in our home and I feel like I'm losing the battle.  I've never had these Cadbury Mini Eggs in my house until the arrival of my husband.  Granted, I was the one who bought them for him to remind him of how much I love him and that I keep his "wants" in mind while grocery shopping.  (Note to self: chocolate does not equal love!)  Nonetheless, we've gone through 3 bags and it's not even Easter yet!  I guess I shouldn't feel so bad though.  Apparently, the love for the Mini Eggs runs in the family.  My father-in-law is working on his 8th bag.  Way to break the cycle Curtis.

Despite the addictive nature of these little treats, I highly recommend them.  They are great for a chocolate-fix (if you can control yourself), look beautiful in a apothecary jar displayed around the house (so festive!) or can be the perfect addition to any Easter basket.  

May the force be with you if you dare to try them. 

Happy Friday!

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Storytelling may lead to improved health

Storytelling is one of the oldest human traditions on earth. Stories are integral aspects of our lives and an important part of how we communicate, learn and grow.


According to an article in The New York Times, research is supporting the idea that storytelling is also imperative in improving health. Doctors and patients alike suggest the power of personal narratives to effectively communicate and interpret experiences concerning certain health issues.

A recent study published in The Annals of Internal Medicine reported that listening to personal narratives helped control high blood pressure in one group of patients, an outcome that was just as successful as taking additional medications.

“Telling and listening to stories is the way we make sense of our lives,” said Dr. Thomas K. Houston, lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, Mass. “That natural tendency may have the potential to alter behavior and improve health.”

Researchers explain that storytelling counteracts the initial denial a patient experiences when diagnosed. Similarly, patients might distrust the medical system or have difficulty understanding all of the information. However, stories and personal narratives are relatable, and therefore help the patient make sense of their own situation.

Stories are particularly beneficial with the more “silent” chronic diseases, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. They can help the patient realize the importance of addressing a disease that has few obvious symptoms.

“Storytelling is human,” Dr. Houston said. “We learn through stories, and we use them to make sense of our lives. It’s a natural extension to think that we could use stories to improve our health.”

Courtesy of CareNotes: The Home Care Newsletter

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Hamilton and surrounding areas.

Sweetapolita.

Sweetapolita, my dessert lolita.  I loved reading the exclusive interview with Rosie of Sweetapolita found on Pizzazzerie today.  I find such interest in seemingly ordinary people with such extraordinary talents.  I love learning where they come from, how they got started and what makes them tick.  Sweetapolita's cakes and confections are truly one of a kind.  She takes eye candy to a whole new level!!

Have a great day my friends!!

{Images via Pizzazzerie}

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

Toadstools

I've got fairies and pixie dust on my mind as I prepare for my next party.  

Occasion: Girl's 3rd birthday party.

Theme: Tinkerbell.  

Setting: Woodland Fairy.

Colors: Pink, Yellow, Lime, Orange.

I was perusing Etsy last night and came across these super fabulous chocolate-filled toadstools by Andie's Specialty Sweets.  I just love the daintiness of these little mushrooms.  They are so perfect and would be such a great addition to the decor.  I'll have to keep this one in my back pocket for my next fairy-themed table... 

Be Sweet.

-Kristy

The challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer's

Caring for an older loved one is never easy, but caring for someone with Alzheimer’s presents special challenges. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that 40% of these caregivers suffer a “high” level of emotional stress. And according to a study published by The Journal of Immunology, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can actually shorten a caregiver's life by up to 8 years!

The truth is that individuals with Alzheimer’s are extremely difficult to care for. Seeing someone you love slowly slip away takes an incredible emotional toll.

Given the seriousness of symptoms like memory loss, wandering and hallucination, people with Alzheimer’s often require “around the clock” care. They cannot be left alone for a minute. And most family caregivers who try to provide this level of 24/7 care eventually feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

Dr. Kathy Johnson, PhD, CMC, Certified Geriatric Care Manager and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Home Care Assistance offers the following suggestions to those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s:

1. Contact the Alzheimer's Association or your local senior center. Both will help you find the appropriate resources and support groups to join.

2. Arrange for respite care. Do not hesitate to call relatives, neighbors or friends and ask for help. Put together a weekly schedule of people you trust. This will allow you the time you need to run errands, buy groceries, or take a few hours off from caregiving. Home care agencies like Home Care Assistance are experts when it comes to respite care. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours or 24/7, we are there for you.

3. Research Adult Day Care Centers. These are daily programs that typically run from 9am-4pm. Families will drop off their loved one for the day, knowing they are in a safe, professional environment.

4. Hire a Geriatric Care Manager. Visit www.caremanager.org for a list of care managers in your area. These professionals will coordinate all the services you need. As a result, your stress level will be reduced and your loved one will have your full attention.

5. Read a book, medical journal or go online. The more you know about Alzheimer’s the better. Those who are highly informed on this disease will make smarter decisions when it comes to caregiving.

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Home Care Assistance offers the highest quality 24/7 live-in home care in the Region of Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, and Milton), Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Hamilton and surrounding areas.